Wyoming State Fair Manager 2026-02297

State of Wyoming

$121K — $122K *
Hospitality & Recreation
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in business, public relations, management, finance, or related field preferred.
  • 5 years of management experience in a governmental or private sector organization.
  • Strong understanding of livestock shows, 4H & FFA, and the fair industry preferred.
  • Excellent leadership and personnel management skills.
  • Proficiency in public relations, budgeting, and strategic planning.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the planning and execution of the annual Wyoming State Fair.
  • Negotiate contracts for fair entertainment and services.
  • Engage with industry and youth groups to promote fair activities.
  • Secure sponsorships and revenue for the State Fair.
  • Enhance operational efficiency through staff coordination and guidance.
  • Oversee budget management for fairtime and non-fairtime activities.
  • Represent the Wyoming Department of Agriculture in local and national forums.

Benefits

  • Housing provided on State Fair grounds at no cost.
  • Opportunity to impact the annual Wyoming State Fair and its influence on the local community.
  • Engagement with diverse community groups and stakeholders.
  • Leadership role within a well-established state institution.
Full Job Description
Salary: $10,112.26 - $10,247.00 Monthly
Location : Douglas, WY
Job Type: Permanent Full-time
Job Number:
Department: Department of Agriculture
Division: Department of Agriculture
Opening Date: 09/22/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Job Classification: EXMT02

Description and Functions
Open Until Filled
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Wyoming State Fair Board is searching for an Executive Manager for the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, Wyoming State Fair Division. This person manages, directs and supervises staff in development and coordination of activities and programs to produce the annual Wyoming State Fair which showcases Wyoming youth, highlights Wyoming's agriculture and non-agriculture industries, and features consumer products/trends, while utilizing effective cost controls.

The city of Douglas is a small Rocky Mountain community that is 45 minutes from Wyoming's second-largest community. The area surrounding Douglas is excellent for recreational activities such as hunting, hiking, boating, camping, fishing, biking, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

Human Resource Contact: (307) 777-6036, [email protected]
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed in the job level.

  • Provides leadership, planning and scheduling for the annual State Fair that attracts 40,000 guests, 4,000 exhibits, 350 rodeo contestants and fair entertainers. Negotiates and contracts fair entertainment, supportive services and personnel.
  • Directs preparation of bid documents following state procurement guidelines for the physical plant, fair supplies and services.
  • Meets with industry groups, youth groups and advisory groups to plan, promote, and facilitate fairtime activities.
  • Assists in the procurement of sponsorship and other revenue for the annual State Fair.
  • Directs and coordinates staff in determining solutions and methods to improve internal operational efficiency.
  • Creates a positive climate resulting in high productivity, high morale, creativity and job satisfaction.
  • Resolves problems and concerns from subordinate staff. Constructs and develops operational policies for State Fair within the framework of state laws and regulations.
  • Interprets policies, participates in formulating guidelines and policies, and advises in application of guidelines and policies.
  • Advises the Wyoming State Fair Board and the WDA Director on State Fair program policy, goals and objectives.
  • Directs, instructs, guides, motivates and counsels subordinates.
  • Visits and inspects work in progress.
  • Evaluates work and completes performance appraisals.
  • Responsible for the development and completion of the State Fair strategic plan and works to accomplish designated responsible items in the Department of Agriculture's strategic plan.
  • Prepares, manages and monitors the budget for the State Fair and State Fair Park.
  • Promotes, attracts, and assists in scheduling State Fair Park events and activities non-fairtime.
  • Assists in scheduling, coordinating, and directing an average of 280+ non-fairtime events on the grounds attracting 18,000 guests.
  • Represents the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, Wyoming State Fair division and the State of Wyoming locally, regionally, and nationally.
  • Prepares, manages and monitors the State Fair annual budget for fairtime and non-fairtime allocations.
  • Directs, manages and supervises non-fairtime activities, facilities and grounds maintenance, and recruitment of facilities users for State Fair Park through effective marketing and promotion.
  • Communicates and meets with the Wyoming State Fair Board.
  • Manages and monitors the planning and implementation of capital improvements, which are included in the master plan for the Wyoming State Fair Park.
  • Reviews, prepares and completes an action and strategic plan for State Fair with the Department of Agriculture.
  • Coordinates and communicates with local, regional, state and national groups annually to maintain effective programs and events for State Fair and State Fair Park.
  • Responsible for taking the leadership role in the legislative process and all legislation affecting State Fair and State Fair Park.
  • Insures compliance with state and federal regulations for animal health, carnival ride safety, homeland security, etc.
  • Through research and education, provides the leadership for current issues in animal science crop and forage science, agri-marketing, youth programs, animal health, animal welfare rodeo and fair business.
  • Trains and provides educational support for county, regional and state fair associations.
  • Responsible for direct supervision to two staff members and indirect supervision of all other staff, including seasonal employees.
  • Reports to the Wyoming State Fair Board.


Qualifications
PREFERENCES:
Preference may be given to the applicant with experience and a strong understanding of livestock shows, 4H & FFA and the fair industry.

Preference will be given to those with skills in leadership, work management, personnel management, public relations, oral and written communication and interpersonal relations.

Preference will be given to those with any combination of training and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in business or public relations, management, finance, accounting or a related field.

Preference will be given to those with five years of work experience as a manager or administrator of a major administrative unit in a governmental or private industry organization.
KNOWLEDGE

  • Must possess good leadership, work management, personnel management, public relations and interpersonal skills.
  • Must possess skills in program organization, development, planning, prioritization and implementation which include strategic planning.
  • Must possess a high level of speaking skills that include verbal, written, listening and public speaking skills.
  • Must have skills in budget preparation and fiscal control.
  • Must have skills in decision making, policy implementation and evaluation.
  • Must have the ability to direct and supervise the work of personnel to accomplish established goals and objectives.
  • Must have knowledge of and the ability to carry out technical aspects associated with animal welfare, guests safety and security, and animal disease control.
  • Must have knowledge of the principles, concepts and current practices of state government management including budget development and control.
  • Must have knowledge of industry needs, trends and concepts.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
None - See "Preferences"
Necessary Special Requirements
NOTES:

  • FLSA: Exempt
  • Housing is provided for this manager position. The housing is an open concept, 3 bedroom, 2 bath home located on the State Fair grounds.


Supplemental Information
010-Agriculture - Wyoming State Fair

Click to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL:

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.
01

(AA) Which of the following best describes your highest completed level of education to date or within the next three (3 months)? (Transcripts may be required.)
  • High School Diploma/GED/or Equivalent
  • Some college Coursework, No Degree Received
  • Associate's Degree
  • Associate's Degree and additional coursework
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree and additional coursework
  • Master's Degree
  • Master's Degree and additional coursework
  • Doctorate Degree
  • Doctorate Degree and additional coursework
  • None of the Above

02

(AA) Which of the following Quarter/Semester credit hours best describes your completed college education to date or within the next three (3 months)? (Transcripts may be required.)
  • 45+ Quarter hours/30+ Semester hours
  • 90+ Quarter hours/60+ Semester hours
  • 136+ Quarter hours/91+ Semester hours
  • 180+ Quarter hours/120+ Semester hours
  • 225+ Quarter hours/150+Semester hours
  • N/A

03

Do you have any combination of training and experience equivalent to bachelor's degree in business or public relations, management, finance, accounting or related field?
  • Yes
  • No

04

Describe your relevant experience in the box below.
05

Do you have five years of work experience as a manager or administrator of a major administrative unit in governmental or private industry organization?
  • Yes
  • No

06

Describe your experience as a manager or administrator of a major administrative unit in governmental or private industry organization in the box below.
07

Do you have experience and a strong understanding of livestock shows, 4H & FFA and the fair industry?
  • Yes
  • No

08

Do you have skills in any of the following? Please check all that apply.
  • Leadership
  • Work Management
  • Personnel Management
  • Public Relations
  • Oral & Written Communication
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • None of the above

09

(A1) Where did you hear about this opportunity?
  • Government Jobs @www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wyoming
  • Indeed
  • LinkedIn
  • Zip Recruiter
  • Wyoming Workforce Center
  • Other job sites (Wyoming at Work, Monster, etc.)
  • Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
  • Newspaper/Newsletter Advertisement
  • Career Fair
  • Human Resources Division
  • Friend or Acquaintance (Not State Employee)
  • Current State Employee
  • Other

10

(A1) If you selected "Current State Employee" please provide the employee's first and last name, and include the department they work for, if known. Please limit this response to only one employee. This employee may be eligible for a Referral Bonus.
11

(A1) If you selected Other, please tell us where you heard about this opportunity.
12

(AA) VETERANS' PREFERENCE DISCLOSURE: PER WYOMING STATUTE, current employees of the State of Wyoming are not eligible for veterans' preference. If you are not a current employee of the State of Wyoming, to be eligible to receive veterans' preference you MUST have been a resident of the State of Wyoming for a period of one (1) year or more at any time prior to submitting this application. I have read and understand the veterans' preference disclosure.
  • Yes
  • No
  • I am not a veteran

13

(AA) VETERANS' PREFERENCE: If you are a war veteran as defined in section 101, Title 38, United States Code or are the surviving spouse of a war veteran who receives survivor benefits from the federal government based on the veteran's military service, and wish to claim veterans' preference, please attach the appropriate documentation substantiating your claim. Indicate below your appropriate veterans' preference status. By requesting veterans' preference, you are certifying that you meet the statutory requirements as described in the above disclosure.
  • Current State Employee
  • Veteran - DD214 Attached
  • Disabled Veteran (10% or more) - DD214 and Veteran's Disability Determination Attached
  • Surviving Spouse of a Deceased Veteran - DD214 and proof of Survivor Benefit Attached
  • None of the above

14

(AA) Please be advised that an incomplete application WILL NOT be considered for employment. An attached resume' is not required and is not an acceptable substitution for a completed application. Some State of Wyoming agencies use E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the

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